Integration of a tobacco cessation program into a rural community-based maternal and child health program in India: A stakeholders' perspective on task shifting.

INTRODUCTION: According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2, India, 7.5% of pregnant women are tobacco users with a high prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in rural India. Although pregnant women may receive advice to quit tobacco, lack of knowledge on providing cessation support among healthcare workers results in missed opportunities. Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a significant role in maternal and child health (MCH) programs. Thus, task-shifting for providing cessation support by CHWs was planned and the perceptions and attitudes of concerned stakeholders were explored. METHOD: A pre-implementation qualitative study was conducted in four states of India within existing rural, community-based MCH program settings. Implementation research frameworks were used to develop data collection tools and for inductive and deductive thematic analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders (n=28) like coordinators, pregnant women and village functionaries of the government health system. Four focus groups were conducted with female CHWs (n=24). RESULTS: Stakeholders intended to adopt the intervention as objectives of the cessation intervention were aligned with the aims of the MCH program. CHWs related to their role in task-shifting and understood the context for implementing the intervention within the MCH program. Pregnant women expressed openness to receiving cessation support from CHWs acting as a facilitator for task-shifting. Barriers anticipated were the additional workload and time required for CHWs to implement the intervention. CONCLUSION: Task-shifting to female CHWs for screening tobacco users, providing brief advice and cessation support within the MCH program was perceived to be acceptable, adoptable and feasible. IMPLICATIONS: The study builds insight into the process of developing a grounded approach for the integration of tobacco cessation intervention into a rural, community-based antenatal care setting by task shifting to female community health workers for providing cessation support to pregnant women. The study fills gaps in the literature related to establishing tobacco cessation interventions for pregnant women. The delineated efforts in integration of the intervention and task shifting can be replicated in other developing countries, especially in rural communities within South Asian and Southeast Asian regions having cultural practices, community-based healthcare structures and tobacco consumption patterns that are comparable to India.

COVID-19 in a Portuguese whole blood donor population.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), leading to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the stock of blood banks worldwide. This study aims to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 in a population of whole blood donors and analyze the possible association between blood group and susceptibility to the disease and the impact of adopting preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material and methods: This retrospective study included all whole blood donors from a Portuguese hospital between July and September 2021. A self-assessment questionnaire was used to collect data on COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and preventive measures. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 in the donor population was 11.96% (n = 97), with only 2 cases of serious illness requiring hospitalization. No association was found between blood group and disease susceptibility. Older men were less likely to adopt preventive measures. The vaccination rate was high, with 84.26% of donors having received at least one dose of the vaccine. Seven donors declined COVID-19 vaccination. Preventive measures did not differ based on COVID-19 infection status or vaccination. Discussion: Although there was a higher frequency of COVID-19 in group A donors, the blood group was not associated with susceptibility to infection. The donor population consisted of young individuals without comorbidities, showing a COVID-19 prevalence like the general population and few severe cases. The high vaccination rate and adoption of preventive measures likely contributed to these findings.

Polymyoclonus, ventricular fibrillation and Takotsubo after accidental spinal injection of tranexamic acid.

Several factors have been identified as contributing to medication administration errors, including look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) errors. LASA errors are important causes of serious adverse events arising from spinal injection of tranexamic acid, which can be confused with ampoules of local anaesthesia.We present a case of accidental injection of 250 mg of tranexamic acid rather than prilocaine during spinal anaesthesia. The patient developed lower extremities myoclonus, followed by generalised convulsions and ventricular fibrillation, that was reverted within 6 min. Severe cardiogenic shock requiring both inotropic and vasopressor therapy followed, along with a classic apical ballooning pattern on echocardiography and elevated myocardial injury markers, indicating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The patient's condition progressively improved to full recovery, and she was discharged from hospital after 1 month with no neurological deficit or cardiac dysfunction.To our knowledge, this is the 28th reported case of accidental spinal injection of tranexamic acid. We present a brief review of previously published cases.

Revelar e ter com quem contar: infertilidade e apoio social / Revelar y tener con quien contar: infertilidade y apoyo social / To disclose and have someone to count on: infertility and social support

Infertile couples seeking treatment experience a social stigma that can lead to the need for privacy and, in turn, compromise their access to social support. This multiple case study, that involved the collection of sociodemographic and health data and interviews with four heterosexual couples accessed by convenience, aimed to examine the perception of the couples about the social support received after the disclosure of the condition of infertility and/or of the assisted reproductive technology treatment. The cases were analysed individually and comparatively. From the couples' statements, it is highlighted that all of them revealed something about infertility and/or treatment at some point in the process, although some considered not revealing it. Both support and lack of support were perceived from the revelations. The non-disclosure was motivated by self-preservation and by avoidance of social pressure. The findings indicate the importance of psychological intervention to expand the couples' social support.

Parejas infértiles que buscan tratamiento experimentan un estigma social que puede acarrear la necesidad de privacidad y, a su vez, comprometer el acceso al apoyo social. Ese estudio de múltiples casos, que involucró la recogida de datos sociodemográficos, de salud y entrevistas con cuatro parejas heterosexuales accedidas por conveniencia, buscó examinar la percepción de las parejas sobre el apoyo social después de la revelación de la condición de infertilidad y/o del tratamiento con técnicas de reproducción asistida. Los casos fueron analizados individual y comparativamente. De las declaraciones de las parejas, se destaca que todas revelaron algo sobre la infertilidad y/o el tratamiento en algún momento del proceso, aunque algunos consideraron no revelarlo. Se percibió tanto el apoyo como la falta de apoyo a partir de las revelaciones. La no revelación fue motivada por la autopreservación y por la evitación de presión social. Los hallazgos indican la importancia de la intervención psicológica para ampliar el apoyo social de las parejas.

Casais inférteis que buscam tratamento experimentam um estigma social que pode acarretar a necessidade de privacidade e, por sua vez, comprometer o acesso ao apoio social. Este estudo de casos múltiplos, que envolveu a coleta de dados sociodemográficos, de saúde e entrevistas com quatro casais heterossexuais acessados por conveniência, objetivou examinar a sua percepção sobre o apoio social recebido após a revelação da condição de infertilidade e/ou de tratamento com técnicas de reprodução assistida. Os casos foram analisados individualmente e comparativamente. A partir das falas, destaca-se que todos revelaram algo sobre a infertilidade e/ou o tratamento em algum momento do processo, ainda que alguns tenham considerado não revelar. Percebeu-se tanto apoio como falta de apoio diante das revelações. A não revelação foi motivada pela autopreservação e pela evitação de pressão social. Os achados indicam a importância da intervenção psicológica para ampliar o apoio social dos casais.

Association between Anti-DENV IgM Serum Prevalence and CD11b Expression by Classical Monocytes in Obesity.

Dengue and obesity are currently highly prevalent conditions worldwide and the association between these two conditions may result in greater risk for DENV infection and disease severity. In this study the association between obesity and recent, inapparent dengue was investigated. Serum DENV IgM and NS1 were evaluated in 49 adult volunteers (15 lean and 34 individuals with obesity, according to body mass index), between September 2017 and June 2018. Adiposity, endocrine, metabolic, and immune data of the participants were also obtained. None of the study participants tested positive for the DENV NS1 antigen. DENV IgM was detected in 33.3% of the lean individuals, and in 44.1% of those with obesity; the presence of DENV IgM was not associated with body mass index (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.59-2.98, p = 0.48). However, body fat index was higher in obese individuals who had recent inapparent dengue (14.7 ± 3.1 versus 12.7 ± 2.1 kg/m2, p = 0.04), as was the expression of CD11b by classical (CD14++CD16-) monocytes (1103.0 ± 311.3 versus 720.3 ± 281.1 mean fluoresce intensity). Our findings suggest an association between adiposity and recent inapparent dengue and the involvement of classical monocytes in this association.

Dairy powder enriched with a soy extract (Glycine max): Physicochemical and polyphenolic characteristics, physical and rehydration properties and multielement composition.

This work presents the enrichment of powdered dairy compounds with soy extract, and the determination of its physical properties, rehydration characteristics, multielement profile, and polyphenolic potential. Five dairy compound formulations were developed, where milk powder was replaced by 10, 20, 30, 40, and 49 % w/w of soy extract.. Multivariate analyzes using combined PCA analyzes were used to group the samples and, thus, reveal the main characteristics associated with their physicochemical properties, bioactive composition, and multi-element profile. The protein content in the samples was not significantly affected by the addition of soy extract. There was a gradual increase in the total fat as the concentration of soy extract increased. Furthermore, with the increase in the percentage of soy extract in the dairy compounds, there was an increase in the levels of total polyphenols, total flavonols, and antioxidant capacity, and of some minerals, such as Fe, Mn, P, Cu, and Mg. The DC49 sample showed the highest values for total polyphenols (178.65 mg of gallic acid (GAE)/100 g) and total flavonols (1.51 mg of catechin/100 g). The addition of soy extract promoted the enrichment of important minerals in the samples, with an increase of up to 55 times in the Fe content and up to 40 times in the Mn content. Physical properties (density and fluidity) and rehydration properties (wetting, dispersibility, and solubility) also were affected as the percentage of soy extract in the samples increased. When there was an addition of up to 20 % soy extract, the samples are still wettable. All dairy compounds showed solubility above 69 %. The use of soy extract in the polyphenolic and mineral enrichment of the dairy compounds is important to add nutritional value to powdered milk, we emphasize that this product has enormous potential to be used in diets that require mineral supplementation.

Evaluation of time to death after admission to an intensive care unit and factors associated with mortality: A retrospective longitudinal study.

Background: Among nonsurvivors admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), some present early mortality while other patients, despite having a favorable evolution regarding the initial disease, die later due to complications related to hospitalization. This study aims to identify factors associated with the time until death after admission to an ICU of a university hospital. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study that included adult patients admitted to the ICU between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017. Nonsurviving patients were divided into groups according to the length of time from admission to the ICU until death: Early (0-5 days), intermediate (6-28 days), and late (>28 days). Patients were considered septic if they had this diagnosis on admission to the ICU. Simple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between time to death over the years of the study. Multivariate cox regression was used to assess risk factors for the outcome in the ICU. Results: In total, 6596 patients were analyzed. Mortality rate was 32.9% in the ICU. Most deaths occurred in the early (42.8%) and intermediate periods (47.9%). Patients with three or more dysfunctions on admission were more likely to die early (P < 0.001). The diagnosis of sepsis was associated with a higher mortality rate. The multivariate analysis identified age >60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.009), male (HR 1.192), mechanical ventilation (HR 1.476), dialysis (HR 2.297), and sequential organ failure assessment >6 (HR 1.319) as risk factors for mortality. Conclusion: We found a higher proportion of early and intermediate deaths in the study period. The presence of three or more organ dysfunctions at ICU admission was associated with early death. The diagnosis of sepsis evident on ICU admission was associated with higher mortality.

Dengue más allá del trópico: estudio de series temporales 2015-2016 versus 2019-2020 en un hospital pediátrico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Dengue beyond the tropics: a time-series study comprising 2015-2016 versus 2019-2020 at a children's hospital in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. El dengue es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Confinado en sus orígenes a las zonas tropicales y subtropicales, en la actualidad se presenta en otras regiones como Argentina. Desde el año 2008 se presenta con brotes epidémicos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, con escasos reportes en niños. Objetivo. Analizar y comparar las características clínicas, epidemiológicas, de laboratorio y evolutivas de los dos últimos brotes de dengue fuera del área endémica. Población y métodos. Estudio de series temporales. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 18 años con dengue probable o confirmado, evaluados en un hospital pediátrico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante los períodos 2015-2016 y 2019-2020. Resultados. Se incluyeron 239 pacientes, 29 (12 %) con antecedente de viaje. La mediana de edad fue de 132 meses (rango intercuartílico: 102-156). Todos tuvieron fiebre. Otros síntomas fueron: cefalea en 170 (71 %), mialgias en 129 (54 %) y exantema en 122 (51 %). Cuarenta pacientes (17 %) tenían comorbilidades. Presentaron signos de alarma 79 pacientes (33 %) y 14 (6 %) tenían dengue grave. Requirieron internación 115 pacientes (45 %) y ninguno falleció. El serotipo DENV-1 fue el más frecuente. El antecedente de viaje y la necesidad de internación predominaron en el primer período; el dengue grave y la infección previa, en el segundo. Conclusiones. Ningún paciente falleció de dengue en los períodos estudiados. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuencia de internación; el antecedente de viaje fue más frecuente en el período 2015-2016 y el dengue grave, en el 2019-2020.

Introduction. Dengue is a public health problem worldwide. It was originally confined to tropical and subtropical areas, but it is now present in other regions, such as Argentina. Epidemic outbreaks have been observed in the City of Buenos Aires since 2008, with few reports in children. Objective. To analyze and compare the clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and evolutionary characteristics of the latest 2 dengue outbreaks outside the endemic area. Population and methods. Time-series study. Patients under 18 years of age with probable or confirmed dengue and evaluated in a children's hospital of the City of Buenos Aires during the periods 2015-2016 and 2019-2020 were included. Results. A total of 239 patients were included; 29 (12%) had a history of travel. Their median age was 132 months (interquartile range: 102156). All had a fever. Other symptoms included headache in 170 (71%), myalgia in 129 (54%), and rash in 122 (51%). Forty patients (17%) had comorbidities. Warning signs were observed in 79 patients (33%); 14 (6%) developed severe dengue; 115 (45%) were hospitalized; none died. DENV-1 was the most common serotype. A history of travel and hospitalization prevailed in the first period; severe dengue and prior infection, in the second period. Conclusions. No patient died due to dengue in either study period. Statistically significant differences were observed in the frequency of hospitalization; a history of travel was more common in the 2015-2016 period and severe dengue, in the 2019-2020 period.

Dengue beyond the tropics: a time-series study comprising 2015-2016 versus 2019-2020 at a children's hospital in the City of Buenos Aires. / Dengue más allá del trópico: estudio de series temporales 2015-2016 versus 2019-2020 en un hospital pediátrico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a public health problem worldwide. It was originally confined to tropical and subtropical areas, but it is now present in other regions, such as Argentina. Epidemic outbreaks have been observed in the City of Buenos Aires since 2008, with few reports in children. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and evolutionary characteristics of the latest 2 dengue outbreaks outside the endemic area. POPULATION AND METHODS: Time-series study. Patients under 18 years of age with probable or confirmed dengue and evaluated in a children's hospital of the City of Buenos Aires during the periods 2015-2016 and 2019-2020 were included. RESULTS: A total of 239 patients were included; 29 (12%) had a history of travel. Their median age was 132 months (interquartile range: 102- 156). All had a fever. Other symptoms included headache in 170 (71%), myalgia in 129 (54%), and rash in 122 (51%). Forty patients (17%) had comorbidities. Warning signs were observed in 79 patients (33%); 14 (6%) developed severe dengue; 115 (45%) were hospitalized; none died. DENV-1 was the most common serotype. A history of travel and hospitalization prevailed in the first period; severe dengue and prior infection, in the second period. CONCLUSIONS: No patient died due to dengue in either study period. Statistically significant differences were observed in the frequency of hospitalization; a history of travel was more common in the 2015-2016 period and severe dengue, in the 2019-2020 period.

Introducción. El dengue es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Confinado en sus orígenes a las zonas tropicales y subtropicales, en la actualidad se presenta en otras regiones como Argentina. Desde el año 2008 se presenta con brotes epidémicos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, con escasos reportes en niños. OBJETIVO: Analizar y comparar las características clínicas, epidemiológicas, de laboratorio y evolutivas de los dos últimos brotes de dengue fuera del área endémica. Población y métodos. Estudio de series temporales. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 18 años con dengue probable o confirmado, evaluados en un hospital pediátrico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante los períodos 2015-2016 y 2019-2020. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 239 pacientes, 29 (12 %) con antecedente de viaje. La mediana de edad fue de 132 meses (rango intercuartílico: 102-156). Todos tuvieron fiebre. Otros síntomas fueron: cefalea en 170 (71 %), mialgias en 129 (54 %) y exantema en 122 (51 %). Cuarenta pacientes (17 %) tenían comorbilidades. Presentaron signos de alarma 79 pacientes (33 %) y 14 (6 %) tenían dengue grave. Requirieron internación 115 pacientes (45 %) y ninguno falleció. El serotipo DENV-1 fue el más frecuente. El antecedente de viaje y la necesidad de internación predominaron en el primer período; el dengue grave y la infección previa, en el segundo. CONCLUSIONES: Ningún paciente falleció de dengue en los períodos estudiados. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuencia de internación; el antecedente de viaje fue más frecuente en el período 2015-2016 y el dengue grave, en el 2019-2020.

Clinical Characteristics and Mortality-Associated Factors in COVID-19 Critical Patients in a Portuguese ICU.

INTRODUCTION: Severe COVID-19 is associated with serious complications and poor outcomes. Older age and underlying comorbidities are known risk factors for severe COVID-19, but a better understanding of baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 is urgently needed. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series of 227 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at our institution between March 2020 and December 2021. Demographic and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 65 years, and 180 (79.3%) were male. Cardiovascular comorbidities were frequent and included hypertension (n=148; 65.2%), dyslipidemia (n=116; 51.1%), obesity (n=114; 50.2%), and diabetes mellitus (n=80; 35.2%). About 20% of the patients had the chronic respiratory disease, with sleep apnea being the most common. Immunosuppression was identified in 13% of the patients, with autoimmunity, post-transplantation, and neoplasms being the most represented causes. Most patients were admitted to the ICU at six to 15 days after symptom onset, corresponding to stages IIb (pulmonary involvement/hypoxia) and III (hyperinflammatory). All patients received systemic steroids, with an average treatment duration of 22 days. Several ventilatory support strategies were used; 80 patients were supported entirely noninvasively with high flow nasal oxygenation and noninvasive ventilation, while 164 patients were invasively ventilated. Most intubations (65%) occurred in the first 24 hours after admission, and the mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 14 days. The reintubation rate was 10%, occurring on average two to three days after planned extubation. Thirty-two tracheostomies were performed. Bacterial co-infection was treated in 75% of patients, and Aspergillus co-infection complicating COVID-19 pneumonia was diagnosed in eight patients. Median ICU and hospital stays were 15 and 25 days, respectively, and the 28-day mortality rate was 38%. Patients over 75 years experienced a higher mortality rate (56%). Increased age and multimorbidity, particularly comprising cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors, were significantly more common in patients who died within 28 days after ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of critically ill COVID-19 patients required prolonged mechanical ventilation. ICU/hospital stay and mortality were particularly elevated in older patients and patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Considerable discrepancy existed between the proportion of patients with microbiological documentation of bacterial infections and those receiving antimicrobials. Improved methods for adequate microbiological diagnosis are needed and stewardship programs should be reinforced.

Amoxicillin-Resistant Streptococci Carriage in the Mouths of Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Streptococcal bacteremia that occurs during invasive dental procedures can lead to infective endocarditis (IE) in children with certain heart diseases. Prior to such procedures, antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) with amoxicillin (AMPC) is recommended. However, the detection of amoxicillin-resistant strains (AMPC-RS) in the mouths of children with heart diseases raises the concern that they would be uncovered by the action of standard AP. This work carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding AMPC-RS carriage in the mouths of children. We consulted databases covering studies between the years 2000 and 2021, following the PRISMA declaration. A meta-analysis was carried out to assess the prevalence of children carrying AMPC-RS in the mouths. The antimicrobial tests were carried out by microdilution (46.2% of articles), disk diffusion (38.3%), and the E-test (15.4%). Streptococcus mitis and S. sanguinis were bacteria with the most found resistance phenotype, with MIC reaching values of 128 µg/mL. Of the 13 selected articles, only 6 presented results that made it possible to calculate the prevalence of children carrying AMPC-RS in their mouths, ranging from 5.5% to 86.3%. Most of the studies were classified as high quality, and the collected data demonstrate the presence of streptococcal strains with different levels of resistance in the collected samples, such as the dental plaque. The meta-analysis pointed to evidence of AMPC-RS being carried, with a prevalence of 21.3% (I² = 0%, p = 0.705). There is an important prevalence of AMPC-RS carriage in the mouths of children. Specific attention should be directed to AP in those susceptible to IE.

Adolescents and E-cigarettes in India: A Qualitative Study of Perceptions and Practices.

PURPOSE: Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4, India conducted in 2019 showed 'ever use' of e-cigarettes among adolescents to be 2.8%. However, there is dearth of qualitative data on adolescent use of e-cigarettes in the country. This study was conducted to explore and gain better understanding on adolescents' perceptions and practices about e-cigarette use. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 adolescents who self-reported use of e-cigarettes. The participants were recruited from ten municipal schools of Mumbai, India that cater to students from lower socio-economic background. Participants were from 7th to 9th grades, and aged 11-16 years. Data from in-depth interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Adolescents referred to 'e-cigarette' as 'pen-hookah.'  E-cigarettes were perceived as relatively harmless compared to regular hookahs and conventional cigarettes. Initiation was influenced by a friend, peer, or sibling. A variety of flavors, the after-taste, the ability to perform playful tricks with smoke, and fun-time spent with friends were cited as reasons for continued use. Social media influenced both initiation and continuation. Most adolescents' regular use was with a group of friends; the device was shared with or obtained from friends or siblings. Adolescents were unclear about the presence of nicotine in refill liquids and the harmful health effects. CONCLUSION: Increasing awareness among adolescents about the harms of e-cigarettes is urgently required through comprehensive tobacco-prevention programs. More research is needed to examine the role of flavors in increasing acceptability of e-cigarettes and how it affects perceived harmfulness of tobacco products.

Doença de Crohn Metastática da Face ­ Relato de Caso / Metastatic Crohn's Disease of the Face - a Case Report

A Doença de Crohn Metastática é uma condição rara, não contígua ao trato gastrintestinal, que acomete, usualmente, pernas e braços, sendo face e genitais menos acometidos. Tem predileção feminina ­ 63% dos casos. As lesões se apresentam nas formas de nódulos, ulcerações ou placas eritematosas. O caso relatado é de uma mulher de 42 anos que possui a Doença de Crohn há 10 anos e, há 18 meses, convive com o surgimento de placa eritemato-descamativa infiltrada, associada a edema dos lábios em hemiface direita. Foram realizados testes para micobactéria e fungo, tendo resultados negativos. Ao exame anatomopatológico, apresentou-se dermatite granulomatosa associada a infiltrado linfocitário e plasmocitário, confirmando, assim, o diagnóstico de Doença de Crohn Metastática da face. A paciente já fazia uso de Certolizumabe em monoterapia, aumentando-se a dose. Associou-se Tacrolimo tópico, com melhora das lesões. É de suma importância a investigação minuciosa para o diagnóstico correto da doença, visto que pode ser confundida com manifestação orofacial da Doença de Crohn ou outra doença granulomatosa da face. O diagnóstico precoce auxilia no tratamento correto e na minimização do prejuízo estético e funcional causado pela doença, melhorando a qualidade de vida do paciente.

Metastatic Crohn's Disease is a rare condition, not contiguous to the gastrointestinal tract, which usually affects the legs and arms, with the face and genitals being less affected. It occurs predominantly in women - 63% of the cases. The lesions appear as nodules, ulcerations, or erythematous plaques. The case report is of a 42-year-old woman who has had Crohn's disease for 10 years and, for 18 months, has been living with the appearance of an infiltrated erythematous desquamative plaque associated with edema of the lips on the right hemiface. The patient underwent tests for mycobacteria and fungus, with negative results. The anatomopathological exam showed granulomatous dermatitis associated with lymphocytic and plasmacytic infiltrate, thus confirming the diagnosis of metastatic Crohn's disease of the face. The patient was already using Certolizumab in monotherapy, and the dose was increased. Topical Tacrolimus was associated with the treatment causing an improvement in the lesions. A thorough investigation is of utmost importance for the correct diagnosis of the disease since it can be mistaken for an orofacial manifestation of Crohn's Disease or another granulomatous disease of the face. Early diagnosis helps in the correct treatment and in minimizing the aesthetic and functional damage caused by the disease, improving the patient's quality of life.

Number of dentists in the neighborhood and incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of dentists in the neighborhood on the incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition. This cohort began in 2010 (T1) with a random sample of 639 children (1 to 5 years-old) followed for 7 years, in southern Brazil. The follow-up reassessment (T2) took place in 2017. Untreated dental caries was evaluated at T2 through the Decayed, Missing, and Filled surfaces index (DMF-S). The number of dentists in the neighborhood was obtained from the city's official database and used as a contextual variable. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health variables at the individual level were evaluated at T1. A multilevel Poisson regression was performed to evaluate the influence of the predictor variables in the incidence of untreated dental caries. From 639 children at T1, 449 were reassessed at T2 (a 70.3% retention rate). The mean of decayed surfaces at T2 was 0.92 (SE 0.01). The greater the number of dentists in the neighborhoods where the children lived, the lower the incidence of dental caries. Children with low socioeconomic status, who have not routinely visited the dentist in the last 6 months, who presented a experience of dental caries, and whose parents perceived their oral health as fair/poor showed a higher incidence of surfaces with untreated dental caries. As conclusion, children who live in neighborhoods with fewer dentists have a higher incidence of untreated dental caries in permanent dentition.

Number of dentists in the neighborhood and incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of dentists in the neighborhood on the incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition. This cohort began in 2010 (T1) with a random sample of 639 children (1 to 5 years-old) followed for 7 years, in southern Brazil. The follow-up reassessment (T2) took place in 2017. Untreated dental caries was evaluated at T2 through the Decayed, Missing, and Filled surfaces index (DMF-S). The number of dentists in the neighborhood was obtained from the city's official database and used as a contextual variable. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health variables at the individual level were evaluated at T1. A multilevel Poisson regression was performed to evaluate the influence of the predictor variables in the incidence of untreated dental caries. From 639 children at T1, 449 were reassessed at T2 (a 70.3% retention rate). The mean of decayed surfaces at T2 was 0.92 (SE 0.01). The greater the number of dentists in the neighborhoods where the children lived, the lower the incidence of dental caries. Children with low socioeconomic status, who have not routinely visited the dentist in the last 6 months, who presented a experience of dental caries, and whose parents perceived their oral health as fair/poor showed a higher incidence of surfaces with untreated dental caries. As conclusion, children who live in neighborhoods with fewer dentists have a higher incidence of untreated dental caries in permanent dentition.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do número de cirurgiões-dentistas do bairro na incidência de cárie dentária na dentição permanente. Esta coorte teve início em 2010 (T1) com uma amostra aleatória de 639 crianças (1 a 5 anos) acompanhadas por 7 anos, no sul do Brasil. A reavaliação (T2) ocorreu em 2017. A cárie dentária não tratada foi avaliada no T2 por meio do índice de superfícies cariadas, perdidas e obturadas (CPO-S). O número de dentistas do bairro foi obtido no banco de dados oficial da cidade e usada como uma variável contextual. Variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e de saúde bucal no nível individual foram avaliadas no T1. Foi realizada uma análise de regressão de Poisson multinível para avaliar a influência das variáveis preditoras na incidência de cárie dentária não tratada. Das 639 crianças no T1, 449 foram reavaliadas no T2 (taxa de retenção de 70,3%). A média das superfícies cariadas no T2 foi de 0,92 (EP 0,01). Quanto maior o número de dentistas nos bairros em que as crianças residiam, menor era a incidência de cárie dentária. Crianças com baixo nível socioeconômico, que não consultaram rotineiramente o dentista nos últimos 6 meses, que apresentaram experiência de cárie dentária e cujos pais perceberam sua saúde bucal como regular/ruim apresentaram maior incidência de superfícies com cárie dentária não tratada. Como conclusão, crianças que moram em bairros com menos dentistas têm maior incidência de cárie não tratada na dentição permanente.

Cx43-mediated sorting of miRNAs into extracellular vesicles.

Through the exchange of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, extracellular vesicles (EV) allow for cell-cell communication across distant cells and tissues to regulate a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Although some molecular mediators have been discovered, the mechanisms underlying the selective sorting of miRNAs into EV remain elusive. Previous studies demonstrated that connexin43 (Cx43) forms functional channels at the EV surface, mediating the communication with recipient cells. Here, we show that Cx43 participates in the selective sorting of miRNAs into EV through a process that can also involve RNA-binding proteins. We provide evidence that Cx43 can directly bind to specific miRNAs, namely those containing stable secondary structure elements, including miR-133b. Furthermore, Cx43 facilitates the delivery of EV-miRNAs into recipient cells. Phenotypically, we show that Cx43-mediated EV-miRNAs sorting modulates autophagy. Overall, our study ascribes another biological role to Cx43, that is, the selective incorporation of miRNAs into EV, which potentially modulates multiple biological processes in target cells and may have implications for human health and disease.

Fluoridated water impact on tooth decay and fluorosis in 17-20-year-olds exposed to fluoride toothpaste.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of water fluoridation on the prevalence and severity of dental caries and fluorosis in individuals aged 17-20 years exposed to fluoride toothpaste. METHODS: The study population consisted of 660 students from public schools, residents of areas supplied with fluoridated water (exposed group) or not (not exposed group). Students from both groups had access to fluoride toothpaste throughout life. A questionnaire about socioeconomic demographic aspects, conditions related to access and exposure to fluoridated water, and habits related to oral health was applied. Dental caries was measured by the DMFT index and dental fluorosis by the TF index. The chi-square test, t test, and subsequently logistic regression were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Caries experience (DMFT≠0) was significantly higher in students from areas not exposed to fluoridated water, after adjustments to clinical conditions, demographic socioeconomic profile, and hygiene habits. The DMFT mean (±SD) was significantly higher in students from areas not exposed to fluoridated water than exposed (3.83 [±3.28] and 2.48 [±2.71] respectively). The prevalence of very mild/mild and moderate fluorosis was 41.1% and 21% for students either exposed to fluoridated water or not, respectively. CONCLUSION: Exposure to fluoridated water was associated with a lower prevalence and severity of tooth decay, in spite of the use of fluoridated toothpaste. The prevalence of dental fluorosis at all levels was higher in fluoridated areas, however, in both groups, there were few cases with esthetic implications.

Healthcare-Associated Ventriculitis and Meningitis: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background and objective Healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis (HAVM) is frequent in neurocritical patients and associated with significant mortality. Surgery and intracranial devices are usually necessary and may lead to infection. Classical clinical signs and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) analysis may be unreliable. The purpose of this study was to characterize the prevalence of HAVM, risk factors, and interventions in the neurocritical population admitted in the ICU. Methods This was a retrospective single-center analysis of all adult neurocritical patients admitted to an ICU during a three-year period. Results A total of 218 neurocritical patients were included. The prevalence of HAVM was 13% and it was found to be associated with mortality. When suspected, it was not possible to exclude HAVM in 30% of the patients. HAVM was significantly associated with surgery, surgical reintervention, and brain devices. Sustained fever was the most frequent clinical sign, and it was significantly associated with unexcluded HAVM. CSF cell count was significantly higher in HAVM, though without microbiological isolation in most of the cases. Conclusion Brain damage, interventions, and devices may significantly alter cerebral homeostasis. Sustained fever is very frequent and may be attributed to several conditions. CSF cell count is useful for the diagnosis of HAVM. HAVM is a clinical challenge in the management of neurocritical patients with important therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Doença de Crohn Metastática da Face - um Relato de Caso / Metastatic Crohn's Disease of the Face - a case report

A Doença de Crohn Metastática é uma condição rara, não contígua ao trato gastrintestinal, que acomete, usualmente, pernas e braços, sendo face e genitais menos acometidas. Tem predileção feminina ­ 63% dos casos. As lesões se apresentam nas formas de nódulos, ulcerações ou placas eritematosas. O caso relatado é de uma mulher de 42 anos que possui a Doença de Crohn há 10 anos e, há 18 meses, convive com o surgimento de placa eritemato-descamativa infiltrada associada a edema dos lábios em hemiface direita. Foram realizados testes para micobactéria e fungo, tendo resultados negativos. Ao exame anatomopatológico, apresentou-se dermatite granulomatosa associada a infiltrado linfocitário e plasmocitário, confirmando, assim, o diagnóstico de Doença de Crohn Metastática da face. A paciente já fazia uso de Certolizumabe em monoterapia, aumentando-se a dose. Associou-se Tacrolimo tópico, com melhora das lesões. É de suma importância a investigação minuciosa para o diagnóstico correto da doença, visto que pode ser confundida com manifestação orofacial da Doença de Crohn ou outra doença granulomatosa da face. O diagnóstico precoce auxilia no tratamento correto e na minimização do prejuízo estético e funcional causado pela doença, melhorando a qualidade de vida do paciente.

Metastatic Crohn's Disease is a rare condition, non-contiguous with the gastrointestinal tract, which usually affects the legs and arms, with the face and genitals being less affected. It has a female predilection ­ 63% of cases. Lesions present in the form of nodules, ulcerations, or erythematous plaques. The case reported is of a 42-year-old woman who has had Crohn's Disease for 10 years and, for 18 months, has been living with the appearance of an infiltrated erythematousscaly plaque associated with edema of the lips in the right hemiface. Tests for mycobacteria and fungus were carried out, with negative results. The pathological examination revealed granulomatous dermatitis associated with lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltrate, thus confirming the diagnosis of Metastatic Crohn's Disease of the face. The patient was already using Certolizumab in monotherapy, increasing the dose. Topical tacrolimus was combined, with improvement in the lesions. A thorough investigation is extremely important for the correct diagnosis of the disease, as it can be confused with an orofacial manifestation of Crohn's Disease or another granulomatous disease of the face. Early diagnosis helps in the correct treatment and in minimizing the aesthetic and functional damage caused by the disease, improving the patient's quality of life.

Programa alternativo de evaluación externa de calidad para serología de SARS-CoV-2: calidad en tiempos de pandemia / Alternative external quality assessment programme for SARS-CoV-2 serology: quality in pandemic times

Resumen Para el control de la pandemia por COVID-19 es indispensable contar con ensayos confiables para la detección de anticuerpos anti-síndrome respiratorio agudo severo por coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Por este motivo el Laboratorio de Serología y la Residencia de Bioquímica Clínica del Hospital Garrahan desarrollaron el primer Programa Piloto Alternativo de evaluación externa de la calidad para serología de SARS-CoV-2 en la Argentina, destinado a evaluar comparativamente el desempeño de los métodos disponibles de los participantes con el fin de asegurar resultados confiables y clínicamente útiles. El esquema constó de 4 envíos con 5 muestras cada uno, con reactividad variable contra SARS-CoV-2 en las que se evaluaron anticuerpos totales, IgG e IgM. Participaron 21 laboratorios, tanto públicos como privados, de la Provincia y de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires de forma gratuita. Informaron metodología utilizada y resultados. Al finalizar cada entrega se enviaron los reportes individuales y se realizó un informe final global con los resultados totales del ciclo. El mismo se llevó a cabo a lo largo del segundo semestre de 2020. Se informó un total de 643 resultados, 239 de anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgM, 365 de IgG y 39 de anticuerpos totales. Se observó mayor concordancia en las metodologías anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG que en las IgM. ELISA/ COVIDAR fue la metodología más utilizada para IgG y ELFA/bioMérieux para IgM. El espectro de metodologías fue amplio. El programa fue útil para asegurar la calidad de los resultados y brindó a los participantes el marco necesario para emitir resultados confiables y armonizados.

Abstract For the control of COVID-19 pandemic it is essential to have reliable tests for the detection of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For this reason, the Serology Laboratory and the Residence of Clinical Biochemistry of Hospital Garrahan developed the first Alternative Pilot Programme for external quality assessment for SARS-CoV-2 serology in Argentina, aimed at comparatively evaluating the actuaperformance of the available methods of the participants using different anti-SARS-CoV tests in order to ensure reliable and clinically useful results. The scheme consisted of 4 deliveries with 5 samples each throughout the second semester of 2020, with variable reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 in which total antibodies, IgG and IgM were evaluated. Twenty one public and private laboratories participated in the Province and the City of Buenos Aires for free. The methodology applied and the results were informed. At the end of each delivery, individual reports were sent and a final global report was made with the total results of the cycle. A total of 643 results were reported, 239 for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM, 365 for IgG and 39 for total antibodies. There was greater agreement in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG methodologies than in IgM. ELISA/COVIDAR was the most frequently used methodology for IgG and ELFA/bioMérieux for IgM. The spectrum of methodologies was wide. The programme was useful to ensure the quality of the results, providing the participants with the necessary framework to issue reliable and harmonised results.

Resumo Para o controle da pandemia de COVID-19, é imprescindível a existência de testes confiáveis para a detecção de anticorpos anti síndrome respiratória aguda grave por coronavírus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Por esse motivo o Laboratório de Sorologia e a Residência de Bioquímica Clínica do Hospital Garrahan desenvolveram o primeiro Programa Piloto Alternativo de avaliação externa da qualidade para sorologia de SARS-CoV-2 na Argentina, com o objetivo de avaliar comparativamente o desempenho dos métodos disponíveis dos participantes para garantir resultados confiáveis e clinicamente úteis. O esquema consistiu em 4 remessas com 5 amostras cada uma, com reatividade variável contra SARS-CoV-2 em que foram avaliados anticorpos totais, IgG e IgM. Participaram 21 laboratórios públicos e privados da Província e da Cidade de Buenos Aires que participaram em forma gratuita. Eles relataram a metodologia utilizada e os resultados. Ao final de cada entrega, foram enviados relatórios individuais e foi feito um relatório final global com os resultados totais do ciclo. Ele foi realizado ao longo do segundo semestre de 2020. Um total de 643 resultados foram relatados, 239 de anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM, 365 de IgG e 39 de anticorpos totais. Foi observada maior concordância nas metodologias anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG do que nas IgM. ELISA/COVIDAR foi a metodologia mais utilizada para IgG e ELFA/bioMérieux para IgM. O espectro de metodologias foi amplo. O programa foi útil para garantir a qualidade dos resultados, proporcionando aos participantes o enquadramento necessário para a emissão de resultados confiáveis e harmonizados.